You all know good and well that I’m not the kind of person one would consider “artsy-crafty”. I’ve always wanted to be able to sew and create, and I actually spent years of my life feeling frustrated that I couldn’t seem to sew or decorate or create like other people I knew could.
But I’ve come to accept that while I will probably never be an amazing seamstress or interior decorator, I still am an artist. My art form just happens to be putting words together into notes of encouragement, blog posts, and chapters for books. And I’m good with that.
At the same time, I also realize that I don’t want to live under the belief of “I’m not crafty” and let that hold me back from trying new things. So when the gals from Marie Madeline offered to send me the materials so Kaitlynn and I could make a few projects from Abigail’s book, Modern Prairie Sewing, I said “yes”.
When the materials and book arrived in the mail, I honestly thought, “Oh no! What have I gotten myself into?!?”
Kaitlynn was so excited about working on a sewing project with me that it gave me the courage I needed to jump in and give it my best shot. And guess what, folks? I made something. Something that looks beautiful to me and that I’m proud to share with you here.
{Listening to a new podcast I love — Brilliant Business Moms — while crafting. Excuse my very worn iPhone case. I plan to keep it until it falls apart completely! :)}
Sure, this is like the most beginner of beginner projects, but I DID IT! And I feel so fulfilled and empowered by doing so.
In fact, I went out and bought some more fabric and supplies so that I can make some of the other projects in this book and elsewhere online! Kaitlynn is absolutely thrilled that I’m interested in something she loves and I see a lot more mother-daughter projects in our future together.
Can I encourage you? Don’t live under lies and let yourself be held by beliefs that “I’m not good at this or that.” Maybe it’s not your strength. Maybe it’s not your gift. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t just give it your best shot. Because holding yourself back out of fear of failure or belief that “I can’t” is a way to miss out on many new experiences.
Stay tuned for pictures of our next sewing experiment! I already have the project picked out and am really hopeful that it’s a success, too. If it’s not, I’ll at least enjoy the process of trying something new! 🙂
SK Bell says
So very encouraging and inspiring! I have wanted to sew for years and I just finally really got started a few months ago… it’s true, we can overcome the lies we tell even ourselves!
Kristen says
Aww, great job on the sewing!
And that’s so great you found Brilliant Business Moms. I did a podcast with them recently and they were just so delightful.
Crystal Paine says
Can’t wait to listen to your podcast with them!
Beth Anne Schwamberger says
Crystal,
We are beyond thrilled that you listened to our podcast! (And even linked to it!) Wow – seriously, we’re honored! (BTW – I’m always searching for you in iTunes to find you on other podcasts so I can learn all I can!)
Kristen is on episode 39, and she was awesome to interview too 😉
Kristen – you’re so kind and genuine! We’re still amazed at all the blogging you manage to do while also living frugally and taking care of your family –amazing!
Also, I’m with you – I put podcasts on while I do dishes. I’m a cheapo so I found a way to set the iPad down on the counter so it echoes off enough walls and is loud enough. I listen and can still pause and chat with Holden whenever I need to.
Also, the offer will stand forever – we’d be thrilled to have you on our podcast whenever you have a few minutes to spare!
Crystal Paine says
You are so sweet to ask! I’d definitely be interested in being on your podcast! Can you email crystal @ moneysavingmom.com? Thanks so much!
Beth Anne Schwamberger says
Absolutely!
I bet our initial “ask” got lost in the shuffle. Sending out the request again right now 🙂
Misty Nicole Overstreet-Roberts (The Lady Prefers To Save) says
As one of two majors was in Art History, I studied abroad for two semesters in college, and while I did not have a visa to work, I did find side jobs helping a few gallery owners and professors to help offset my and my parents costs for being there. One of the first days working I was needed to help with an art restoration piece. The tools I was given, solution and a q-tip. So, I sat on the floor, with q-tips and a lamp, for days taking layer upon layer of grime off of the corners, edges, and frame, and while this may not have been a craft, I felt as if I helped to re-craft a piece of art, much as you have done. Crafting, like fine art, is about the materials, vision, and most importantly, the process. I think Michelangelo said it best, “Every block of stone has a statue inside it and it is the task of the sculptor to discover it.” Keep crafting, Crystal!
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/michelangelo.html#WzWWPCuBYmFUEFtj.99
Theresa L says
Good for you! I tell my kids this all the time! You never know what you can do until you try!
JulieJ says
How do you manage listening to a podcast while crafting with your daughter? Are you using a speaker instead of ear buds?
Crystal Paine says
I actually only listened to the podcast when I was working by myself (she has a bit of a shorter attention span so had moved onto something else before we were all finished!), but I usually always use the speakers for podcasts so that I can listen to them while cleaning/cooking, etc. but I’m still able to be really present to what’s going on in our home — if the kids need me, etc.
Carrie says
I’m a crazy craft lady these days and my family was always crafty when I lived at home, but I didn’t do any crafts for many years while I was in college and then living on my own. A couple years ago, I challenged myself to do a different craft project (small each time but different techniques) each month for the whole year and it really got me back into it and loving it.
Jennifer Kaiser says
It’s beautiful!! Way to go!
~Jen
Crystal Paine says
Thanks so much!
heidi says
I was pretty crafty and used to sew all my own clothes. Then, along comes my daughter and she loved to craft and I bought all sorts of stuff and filled a big plastic container and called it her make it box. I bought her all kinds of craft books, supplies etc. I worried she would want me to help her and although I could do some things detail intricate items were not my talent. She would come home with her new items and learn it all herself. She went on to win a Bernina sewing machine in a quilting contest – her 2nd quilt. Now, she amazes everyone with her knitting, sewing, baby gifts, etc. Keep encouraging your daughter creativity it good for the brain.
Jennifer says
As the mother of a boy, sometimes I wish I had a daughter, until I see crafty things and mother-daughter activities. Then I’m relieved to have a boy. I can fish, hunt for interesting things in the woods, play car and wrestle (somewhat for a few minutes before I get hurt) but the thought of trying to sew or craft something gives me the chills.
So, I am so excited to hear of your success! I bet Kaitlynn is really relishing this. And perhaps she’s teaching you a thing or two?
Jessica says
Good job! I grew up in a very small town with not much to do and only one severely handicapped sibling, so nobody really to play with. Once I had read through the majority of books in our teeny, tiny library, 9 year old me checked out a book on crocheting. I asked my mom to get me a skein of yarn and a crochet hook from Kmart (they used to stock these things but they don’t anymore). It took a few tries but I did learn from that book. I’m 35 now and I love it when people see me crocheting and stop and ask me about what I’m making, who it’s for, how I do that, and so forth!
I always have yarn and a project with me. Last weekend while watching my kids during their swimming lessons, I was working on a scarf for charity. A big, (BIG!) burly (think lumberjack!) man sat right next to me, opened up his smart phone and showed me a photo of a lovely men’s cardigan and asked whether it was knit or crocheted and was I knitting or crocheting and how could he get someone to make him that sweater. We had a very nice conversation and I referred him to a local resource that might be able to knit it for him.
You’ll be surprised with all the interesting conversations you’ll have and people you’ll meet over crafting!
I mostly donate what I make. I make cat blankets for the local no-kill shelter so the animals have something soft to sleep on. I make squares and even entire blankets for the homeless shelter. I make hats and scarves for premature babies and kids and homeless adults.
I did, however, **finally** this year make something for myself, a new winter hat 🙂
Joanne Peterson says
Well, I will readily admit I have tried sewing in high school for a full semester as part of home ec, and worked very hard a few times as an adult and am not good at it. I don’t enjoy it at all, and just get frustrated with it, the patterns, the piecing, pinning, etc. When my daughter was young, I had other people who enjoyed sewing, spend time with her sewing.
But, I have other artistic abilities that I am good at, such as embroidery, making beautiful bows for Christmas wrapping, Christmas ornaments, stenciling, gift baskets that I can make professional looking, artistically displaying fruit trays, appetizer trays, encouraging people, listening, enjoying music of different genres,etc. Those things I spent/spend time doing with my children. They’ve enjoyed doing those things.
Becky {Milo & Oats} says
Great job! I am not “crafty” either…but I aspire to be! I have a 9 -year-old daughter who is very crafty and would love this type of project. She is also getting a sewing machine for Christmas….so I need to get my act together! Thanks for the inspiration:-)
b says
How did it go for Kaitlynn?
Crystal Paine says
She LOVED working with me and is begging to do more sewing projects! I think it makes her heart so happy for mama to be excited about sewing. 🙂
Kate says
Crystal,
This is so great! Thank you for inspiring me to push a little harder with something new that I’ve been trying!
Kate
mindy says
Yay! Good to know! I am really wanting this book and my hopes is maybe for Christmas. So glad it’s turning out well for you looks like some fun projects for someone like me who doesn’t usually do well sewing and such.